plate no. 9093
The Last Supper
Simon Ushakov, 1685
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in figure drawing, drapery rendering, and creating a sense of depth through layering and subtle value changes. It also provides practice in replicating a limited color palette and achieving a stylized, iconic look.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the overall composition, focusing on the placement of figures and the table.
- step 02
Block in the main shapes and colors of the figures' robes and the background.
- step 03
Begin adding details to the faces, paying attention to the subtle shading and highlights.
- step 04
Define the drapery folds and add texture to the robes using short, broken brushstrokes.
- step 05
Paint the halos with a consistent, opaque gold color.
- step 06
Add details to the table, including the plates, chalice, and other objects.
- step 07
Refine the background elements, such as the architecture and curtain.
- step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
color palette
primary · ochre · red ochre · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · green earth · ivory black
Mix ochre and red ochre with white for skin tones. Use raw umber and ivory black to create shadows. Mix green earth with ochre for muted greens.
techniques
- ·layering
- ·dry brushing
- ·scumbling
- ·glazing
- ·hatching
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the details and losing the overall harmony of the composition.
- →Using colors that are too bright or saturated.
- →Failing to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- →Inaccurate proportions of the figures.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·Stretched canvas
- ·Acrylic or oil paints
- ·Round brushes (sizes 2, 4, 6)
- ·Flat brushes (sizes 4, 8)
- ·Palette
- ·Palette knife
- ·Odorless mineral spirits or water (depending on paint type)
- ·Linseed oil (if using oil paints)
optional
- ·Retarder medium
- ·Varnish
- ·Easel
Use a canvas with a smooth surface for better detail work. Consider using a toned canvas to establish a base color.
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